THE SAVING RURAL AMERICA LIVE INTERNET
TALK RADIO SHOW • THURS. Feb. 2, 2012 • 6PM – 7:00PM
a mist of uncertainties, therefore, WCSHC
membership appreciates Columbus’
efforts and time to help save small family
farms”.
Call in number to speak with the host
(323) 580-5735
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savingruralamerica

WCSHC HISTORY
The Winston County Self Help
Cooperative (Louisville, Ms) organized
1985 under the auspices of Mississippi
Association and Federation of Southern
Cooperatives. The co-op received charter
status from Mississippi’s Secretary of
State Office October 1988. Larry Miller
of Beat-Four Cooperative (Macon,
Ms) and Ben Burkett State Director of
Mississippi Association of Cooperatives
worked fervently to help establish
Winston County Self Help Cooperative
.“We organized (WCSHC) to assist small
farmers and landowners to sell and buy
in bulk according to founding members
Omerio Dotson. Small family farmers
were under-seize due to un-favorable
financial conditions and USDA’s lack

of interest to serve black farmers. We
needed an outlet to earn more income
from our natural resources and increase
sustainability in rural Winston County.
Therefore, Winston County Self Help
Cooperative designed a vehicle for
small farmers and landowners to work
collectively and overcome agriculture’s
adversities.” Columbus McReynolds
served as president from 1985-1992 and
created a formidable team of farmers
and landowners. WCSHC’s membership
consisted of 12 members from Winston,
Choctaw and Oktibbeha Counties and
convened on first Thursday at East Central
Federal Union Building on highway 397.
WCSHC members received animals
through Heifers International to enhance
and improve cattle genetics…pigs to
start swine operations. Additionally,
WCSHC received funds through SelfDevelopment of People (a ministry
Of the Presbyterian Church USA) to
erect a feed grinding meal. Columbus
McReynolds engineered a launching
pad for small farmers and landowners in

W

WCSHC Purpose is to help small
farmers purchase and sell in bulk with
a goal of creating sustainability in rural
communities by connecting with USDA
and other organizations to provide
services in a timely manner.

Saving Rural America BlogTalk Radio Show: Guest WCSHC

WCSHC Purpose is to help small farmers purchase and sell in bulk with a goal of creating sustainability in rural communities by connecting with USDA and other organizations to provide services in a timely manner.